1983 Dhilwan bus massacre

The 1983 Dhilwan bus massacre refers to a tragic incident that occurred on November 4, 1983, in Dhilwan, Punjab, India, during the peak of the Sikh separatist movement. A group of armed militants ambushed a bus carrying Hindu passengers, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 people, primarily from the Hindu community. The attack was part of a broader pattern of violence that characterized the region during that period, fueled by political and communal tensions. The incident drew nationwide condemnation and exacerbated the cycle of retaliation between militant groups and government forces, leading to increased military presence and further violence in Punjab. The massacre remains a significant event in the context of India's socio-political landscape during the 1980s.